News Detail

St. John’s Names Josh Boone to Lead Boys Basketball Program

5/1/2024

Sam Chambers

St. John’s is pleased to announce that Josh Boone will be the new Head Coach of Boys Varsity Basketball. Having served as the Boys Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach for the past two seasons, Boone is no stranger to campus. A first-round NBA draft pick with the New Jersey Nets, NCAA national champion with UConn, and 16-year professional basketball player, Boone has played with and against some of the best players of all time. Boone has played in 11 countries and brings a broad perspective to his new role at St. John’s.

Coach Boone, what will you bring to the St. John’s Boys Basketball program?

“As far as what I'll bring to the program; In my playing career, I was never really given a whole lot of respect, so I had to work hard and earn every opportunity that I got. In college I had a McDonalds All-American in my recruiting class at UConn who played the same position as I did, so no one expected me to be a major contributor to the team because I was kind of a no-name guy. But, I ended up starting that season because I worked really hard, and my game fit very well with our other starting big man, Emeka Okafor. So that same mentality of working hard every step of the way is something that I value and an element that I want to bring to this team. I also believe in competing every step of the way but treating every opponent with a certain level of respect as well, and never looking down on anyone.”

What are you excited about the most in your new role as the head coach of the program?

“I'm just excited to be working with this group for another year. I've loved my first two years here at SJS, and I am extremely excited that I get to continue to be a part of these young men's growth and development not just as basketball players, but also as well-rounded young men. I think on the basketball side, we have a chance to be very good this year, and I'm extremely excited about the potential of us winning the SPC conference and beyond.”

What else are you looking forward to as you begin a new journey as a full-time faculty member of the St. John’s community?

“I'm looking forward to just being a part of the community in general. I was amazed and encouraged at how open and welcoming everyone within SJS has been, and that was conveyed to me right away during my initial interview at school before I was offered the job. I love being part of a team, and I'm excited to be a new member of the team of faculty that already exists at SJS. I'm also excited to be working with the students at the school and helping them develop in whatever ways I can.”

How has your international experience influenced you?

“Having the opportunity to play and live in so many different countries allowed me to see life from a wide variety of perspectives, and helped me develop my communication skills so that I can communicate with almost anyone. I've been in several situations where I didn't speak the same language as someone but still had to play on the same team with them or play for a coach who didn't speak my language, but we were still able to be successful.”

St. John’s is excited to have Coach Boone on board in his full-time role starting August 1, 2024.

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